The Federal Government has announced a significant reduction in the number of repeat offenders within the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), attributing the improvement to ongoing rehabilitation and reformation programmes across custodial facilities nationwide.
Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed the figures on Wednesday while presenting an investigative report on the NCoS. He said the number of recidivists dropped from 11,616 in 2023 to 3,156 in 2024, before declining further to 1,382 in 2025.
According to the minister, the steady decrease in repeat offenders demonstrates that the government's correctional reforms are producing positive results. He noted that while progress has been made, authorities will not consider the mission accomplished until recidivism is completely eradicated.
Tunji-Ojo also revealed that 15,632 inmates were admitted into correctional facilities in May 2026 alone, while 14,190 inmates were released during the same period under various legal and custodial arrangements. He said the figures reflected the dynamic nature of the correctional system and the need for sustained reforms.
The minister assured that recommendations contained in the investigative report would be fully implemented, stressing that the document would not be left unattended. He announced plans to establish a monitoring and evaluation committee to ensure effective execution of the report’s recommendations.
He further called for stronger collaboration with state governments on the relocation of correctional facilities that have become unsuitable due to rapid urban expansion. Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, disclosed that the investigative panel visited 86 custodial centres across 23 states during the course of its assignment.
Elijah Adeyemi
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